CONDUCT OF MONSEIGNEUK.

131

her husband and daughter. We deplored'together the misfor-
tune of having to do with such furies. The Duchesse protested
that there was not even any seeming in favour of these calum-
nies. The Due had ever tenderly loved his daughter from the
age of two years, when he was nearly driven to despair by a
.serious illness she had, during which he watched her night
.and day; and this tenderness had gone on increasing day by
day, so that he loved her more than his son. We agreed that
it would be cruel, wicked, and dangerous to tell M. d'Orleans
what was said.

At length the decisive blow was struck. The King had an
interview with Monseigneur; and told him he had determined
on the marriage, begging him to make up his mind as soon as
possible. The declaration was soon made. What must have
been the state of Madame la Duchesse! I never knew what
took place in her house at this strange moment; and would
have dearly paid for a hiding-place behind the tapestry. As
for Monseigneur, as soon as his original repugnance was over-
come, and he saw that it was necessary to comply, he behaved
very well. He received the Due and Duchesse d'Orl^ans very
well, and kissed h§r and drank their health and that of all the
family cheerfully. They were extremely delighted and sur-
prised.

My next visit to Saint Cloud was very different from that in
which I reported the failure of my endeavours with Mademoi-
selle Choin. I was received in triumph before a large company.
To my surprise, Mademoiselle, as soon as I appeared, ran to-
wards me, kissed me on both cheeks, took me by the hand, and
led me into the orangery. Then she thanked me, and admitted
that her father had constantly kept her acquainted with all the
negotiations as they went on. I could not/ help blaming his
•easiness and imprudence. She mingled all with testimonies of
the most lively joy; and I was surprised by her grace, her elo-
quence, the dignity and the propriety of the terms she used. I
learned an immense number of things in this half-hour's con-
versation. Afterwards Mademoiselle took the opportunity to say
and do all manner of graceful things to Madame de Saint-Simon.

9-2